Alexandria City, Virginia
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C (slow infiltration, moderate runoff). This report summarizes the major soil map units across the survey area to help you understand what to expect when buying, building, or gardening in Alexandria City, Virginia.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Urban land | 3K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Urban land-Grist Mill | 1K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Kingstowne-Sassafras-Neabsco complex, 2 to 7 percent slopes | 1K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Urban land-Kingstowne complex | 715 | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Grist Mill-Woodstown complex, 2 to 7 percent slopes | 679 | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Grist Mill sandy loam, 0 to 25 percent slopes | 478 | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Kingstowne-Sassafras-Marumsco complex, 7 to 15 percent slopes | 469 | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Kingstowne sandy clay loam, 0 to 45 percent slopes | 325 | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Kingstowne-Sassafras-Marumsco complex, 15 to 25 percent slopes | 277 | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 239 | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Codorus and Hatboro soils, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 229 | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sassafras-Neabsco complex, 2 to 7 percent slopes | 100 | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Woodstown sandy loam, 2 to 7 percent slopes | 88 | Moderately well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Sassafras-Marumsco complex, 15 to 25 percent slopes | 76 | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lunt-Marumsco complex, 2 to 7 percent slopes | 64 | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sassafras-Marumsco complex, 7 to 15 percent slopes | 63 | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Sassafras-Marumsco complex, 25 to 45 percent slopes | 25 | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Fairfax loam, 25 to 45 percent slopes | 17 | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wheaton-Fairfax complex, 2 to 7 percent slopes | 16 | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Wheaton-Fairfax complex, 7 to 15 percent slopes | 16 | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
Most soils are generally favorable for residential construction. Standard foundations are usually viable, though site-specific evaluation is always recommended.
Septic Systems
About 41% of soils have significant septic limitations, while others are more suitable. A perc test is essential — conditions vary across the area.
Gardening & Agriculture
Well-drained soils on sloped terrain — good for most plants but watch for erosion. Terracing, contour planting, and mulching help retain moisture and topsoil. Drip irrigation is more effective than sprinklers on slopes.